Tesla STEM High School

JUNIOR YEAR
November - December

• Apply yourself in your studies.
• Suggested Winter Break Activities:
  • Explore a few college search engine websites to familiarize yourself with different search tools (see: Handbook: Building a College List)
  • Take Surveys for Self-Exploration
  • “Visit” a couple of colleges. Most colleges have self-guided virtual tours available on their admissions website. It can be helpful in exploring your campus preferences!

January

• Review your senior schedule requests with your family during registration time. Thoughtfully select your senior year courses, keeping in mind any academic requirements your colleges of interest may have (see: Handbook: Graduation Credits)
• Work on a timeline for any SAT/ACT tests you may plan to take this Spring or Summer. If you have a list of potential colleges, research if they are “Test-Blind” or “Test-Optional” (See: Handbook: SAT/ACT Info)
• Prepare well for semester finals and attend any/all study sessions for your classes (see: Academic Resources)

February-March

• Explore possible summer internships/programs (see: Summer Opportunities)
• Continue researching career fields. Ask questions/advice from industry mentors you meet. Research related college majors for those careers (See: Xello )
• Continue researching colleges of interest. Visit university blogs to ask additional questions about your campus of interest. Visit colleges’ YouTube channels for student tours.

April

• Enjoy your Spring Break! Consider working a college visit into your vacation plans.
• You will receive an invitation to schedule a Junior Meeting with your counselor and parents/guardians. During this meeting, we may discuss questions you and your family have about your post-high school planning and review your selected senior year courses and any remaining graduation requirements.
• Plan on attending any College Financial Aid presentations available at Tesla STEM, recorded on Xello, or through outside community resources (see: Paying for College).

May-June

• Prepare for and take your AP Exams.
• Draft an updated resume (will be part of your assigned work in English class). (See: Handbook: College App Components/Resumes)
• If you plan to ask teachers for letters of recommendation, review the information Handbook: College App Components and complete your Reference Form so teachers can write the best letter of recommendation for you!

July-August

• Research colleges that meet your top-choice criteria on majors, clubs, environment, etc.
• Use College Board’s Net Price Calculator tool to view net costs of your schools of choice.
• Tour prospective colleges, especially if you have clear top choices. Search "College name" + visits to find tour dates and options. Research/make a list of questions you want to ask/departments you would like to visit before you arrive.
• Create your Common App account for college applications; browse their tutorials and videos on how to fill out your applications (also see: Senior College App Hub/Tutorials
• Start to narrow your list of prospective colleges and fill in your College Selection Spreadsheet.
• Become familiar with the FAFSA and the documentation required

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SENIOR YEAR

September

• Decide if you are going to apply Early Decision or Early Action or Regular (see: Handbook: Application Components/Deadlines)
• Sign up for a final SAT/ACT (if needed).
• Schedule a general meeting with your school counselor if you are unsure which colleges are a good fit for you or are feeling lost in your research process.
• Consider setting up a visit or interview with potential colleges if the opportunity is available.
• Continue to build and revise your activities list and college essays.
• Attend Tesla STEM on-campus College Visits for any colleges you may consider applying to (September-November).

October

• Finalize the list of colleges you are applying to and update your College Selection worksheet with application deadlines & important details.
•  If needed, send your official SAT/ACT test scores from College Board (this is not required if the college allows you to self-report).
•  FAFSA opens between October-December - complete with your parents. Refer to the Financial Aid Resources information on Xello for instructions and helpful tools. ED/EA applicants should have their FAFSA completed by their first college’s deadline; regular decision students should have their FAFSA complete by their college’s financial aid deadline..
  • The College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile is required by some private colleges for institutional financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Note your college’s CSS Profile deadline date.
• Schedule your Senior Meeting with your counselor to review your completed Senior College Packet and discuss any recommendation letter requests.

November

• Complete all university applications (most are due November - December). Community college applications can wait until April!
• Students should have completed their Senior Meeting with their counselor by the end of November. Schedule follow-up meetings as needed for extra help with applications or essays!

December

• Keep Studying!!
• Double-check the status of all online college applications and that all pieces (i.e. test scores, transcripts, etc.) have been received.
• Thank any teacher recommenders for their help in your college applications!
• Be sure to fill out the FAFSA and CSS Profile to meet your colleges’ deadlines.
• Look, and begin to apply, for scholarships. Refer to the list of scholarship resources on Xello/T-STEM Counseling page.
• Review your SAR (Student Aid Report generated after completing the FAFSA). If there are any discrepancies, correct the information.

January

• Study, Study, Study! Semester 1 grades will be sent to most, if not all, colleges. For non- Common App/Coalition colleges, send your Semester 1 transcript to any colleges per their application instructions.

February

• Peak time for Scholarship Applications! Refer to the list of resources provided.
• Participate in competition opportunities; some can generate scholarship $$!

March

• When receiving your acceptance letters, you will receive an aid award. If financial circumstances have changed or you are concerned with the lack of aid offered, write a letter of appeal to your university for additional aid.
• Consider signing up to attend Freshman April “Preview Days” for admitted students to help solidify your top choice.

April

• Use College Board's Compare Your Aid Calculator to compare your colleges’ aid awards.
• Research loans offered and other potential financing opportunities.
•  If applying to community colleges, complete your online application! Once you have applied, you will receive information on the college’s placement testing, orientation, and registration process, which usually happens in June of Senior year.

May

• May 1st – “Decision Day”! Inform all colleges of your intent to attend their university, or not, and make your deposit.
• Follow up with your university regarding any additional requests for information they may ask of you about Financial Aid, Housing, Freshman Orientation signup, etc.

June

• Request a final transcript be sent to your chosen college.
• Thank your teachers and school staff for help in applications and attend graduation!!

You made it through high school! Now it is time to prepare for college!

https://youtu.be/rdoRm5AO4Ps?si=zu5rCjLrM-uQrTk9

Download The PRINTABLE vERSION here

A Bookings link will appear upon submission of the Junior Meeting Questionnaire (above) in Microsoft Forms!